The final of Dancing with the Stars is inching ever closer, which is making each week’s episode more and more nail-biting to watch! Last night’s episode was the semi-final, meaning tensions were high as the couples competed to earn a place in next week’s grand final!
Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne presented while judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian scored each dancer on their performances.
First up on the dance floor was Jockey Nina Carberry and her partner Pasquale La Rocca who danced the Paso Doble to ‘Get Ready’ by Rayelle and received a top score from by the judges with 30.
After the performance judge Lorraine said, “One word – Fearless. To do a drop backwards, we call it a dead-man’s drop. A lot of trust with each other. You had your eyes closed at the beginning. It gave me goosebumps. The beautiful Spanish line, overall, I just thought this was a striking performance tonight.”
While Arthur said, “Nina and Pasquale , get ready for the final. When I imagine paso doble – a strong, dramatic performance, that told a story. Footwork. The ending – bam – perfection.” Brian added, “Cheltenham finished on Friday. Rachel Blackmore is not the only jockey celebrating this weekend. Detail, detail, detail, devilishly delicious details. I’m getting excited, looks like it’s going to be a good one.”
Erica-Cody and Denys Samson were next up performing their lively jive. Performing to ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ sung by the cast of the recent Sing 2, they recieved a score of 26 from the judges.
Arthur said, “That’s one way to showcase your remarkable legs, I hope this is the warm up for your world tour.” While Brian shared his comments, “I’m not always not the biggest fan of a scene starting on the rostrum. Once you got down, arms weren’t going crazy. The thing I liked was the bounce action. A bit stilted for me.”
Loraine was very impressed with the high energy performance saying, “It’s the semi-final – go big or go home. This was massive for me. A lot of energy. You showed balance of the speed with slow motion. A little miss of the hands at the end. For me, it was a smashing jive.”
Erica ended up in the bottom two that night competing against Matthew MacNabb to stay in the competition.
Matthew was next. up in the lineup of performers and unfortunately it was his last has he later was eliminated from the show.
Before he knew his fate, he danced a samba to ‘One Dance’ by Justin Bieber. He was awarded 21 points from the judges, Brian said, “Matthew, you know this might be a bit of a surprise. That actually wasn’t bad. Reverse samba rolls. You did move the hips, not perfect, bits still missing but it was very good.”
Arthur said, “So many facial expressions, you seem like you enjoyed it. Dancing wasn’t perfect. You were great in hold with Laura. You have improved so much over the weeks.”
While Loraine shared her praise, “When people hear samba they go, oh no, oh no. But I think you should both be very proud. Hips were moving. It was recognisable. Timing was there. Good rhythm, still like you to work on your feet. For you this was a triumph.”
Jordan Conroy performed an American Smooth to ‘The Sweetest Feeling’ by Jackie Wilson, scoring 28 from the judges.
Speaking about his performance Brian told Jordan, “Movement through your feet, excellent, frame really good throughout. We’ve never seen your looking so suave. Great to see a different side of you. Shame on the lift, not as high as you’d have hoped for, but a very, very good attempt for American Smooth.”
While Arthur said, “Sweetest feeling watching you dance together. Awesome energy. Jordan you look so smart. You kept well together. Another side of Jordan. I loved it. Well done.” And Loraine added, “This was light and bright. Agile in the feet. Then you brought the foxtrot. Fluidly across the floor. The highlight here- the travelling splits. It was beautiful. It really went into American Smooth. It was charming.”
Ellen Keane was last to perform, with her Charleston to ‘Marvellous Party’ by Beverley Knight alongside her partner, Stephen Vincent. Ellen scored 30 points from the judges, marking her first 30 of the season.
Arthur shared his compliments saying, “These high energy numbers… The ability to be stronger. Rely on heavy personality. Level of confidence and dedication. I want to talk about the worm – you need balance and coordination. You nailed it.”
Brian added, “Great Gatsby, great characterisation. Greatest we’ve seen you this season. The little details. Heel stabs. Fantastic. Long time since I’ve seen a Charleston.”
While Loraine said, “Sassy, showy, sparkling tonight. To come from a dance-off, changing partners. Dazzling, glitzy Charleston. Best swivels. Honestly guys, super slick tonight.”
The show ended with Matthew saying his final goodbye when he was sent home after the dance off.
Speaking before he left, he said, “This has been a rollercoaster, 10 hours a day, seven days a week. I’ve grown so much. Laura is so talented and is an amazing person.”
The remaining contestants will dance in next week’s final!